It changes in August
For BAfoğ recipients, there is more money in their accounts and on a popular commuter rail line for Bahn travelers, patience is required. In addition, a new application round for the heating subsidy starts. Here are some expected developments in the new month.
More BAfoğ for students
Needy students will receive more BAfoğ starting from the new school year (1st August). The basic needs allowances increase by 5%, the parent or partner income allowances for the recipients also increase by 5.25%. For students who no longer live at home, the housing cost allowance increases to 380 Euro.
Training guarantee for unsuccessful applicants
Starting from 1st August, young people who cannot find an apprenticeship despite numerous efforts will be offered out-of-work training as a last resort by employment agencies and Jobcenters. This applies, for example, to young people living in regions with few apprenticeship opportunities.
ICE rerouting between Hamburg and Berlin
The ICE journey between Hamburg and Berlin will be 45 minutes longer from 16th August to 14th December. The trains will be rerouted via Stendal. In addition, there will only be one train per hour instead of two. EC trains in the direction of Dresden and Prague will begin and end in Berlin instead of Hamburg.
Further application round for heating subsidy
Landlords and landladies of single-family houses can apply for subsidies for a heating system exchange at the KfW funding bank from the end of August. In addition, from then on, property owners in corresponding communities are eligible to apply who want to renew the heating in their own apartment. Up to 70% of the eligible costs for purchase and installation will be subsidized. Communities and companies can also submit their first applications to the KfW in August.
No night train between Berlin and Paris
Night trains from Berlin to Paris and Brussels will be canceled due to rail network construction work from 12th August to 25th October. The connection was only added to the night train schedule in December and runs via Halle (Saale), Erfurt, and Mannheim.
Some Galeria stores close
Nine of the current 92 Galeria store locations will close on 31st August. The department store chain filed for insolvency again at the beginning of the year. New owners will take over the chain from 1st August.
Less money for fed-in solar power
Anyone who installs a photovoltaic system and feeds the generated power into the grid will receive less money for it starting from 1st August. The feed-in tariff for systems that go into operation decreases by 1% for systems with a rated power of ten kilowatts. The value is currently still 8.11 cents per kilowatt-hour for the self-consumed and fed-in power.
Gender changes at the registry office
Transgender people who want to change their gender entry and name at the registry office must register three months in advance. The earliest possible registration date is 1st August. The Self-Determination Law comes into effect on 1st November.
First summer holidays end already
While millions of students are still on vacation, the holidays end in Thuringia at the end of the month.
Here is an overview of the summer holidays 2024.
Baden-Württemberg: 25th July - 7th September* Bavaria: 29th July - 9th September* Berlin: 18th July - 30th August* Brandenburg: 18th July - 31st August* Bremen: 24th June - 2nd August* Hamburg: 18th July - 28th August* Hesse: 15th July - 23rd August* Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 22nd July - 31st August* Lower Saxony: 24th June - 2nd August* North Rhine-Westphalia: 8th July - 20th August* Rhineland-Palatinate: 15th July - 23rd August* Saarland: 15th July - 23rd August* Saxony: 20th June - 2nd August* Saxony-Anhalt: 24th June - 3rd August* Schleswig-Holstein: 22nd July - 31st August* Thuringia: 20th June - 31st July
Tax declaration - the deadline is approaching
As in previous years, the tax declaration must again be submitted exceptionally later to the tax office. Namely, until 31st August 2024. Since this is a Saturday, the declaration must be with the tax office from 2nd September.
Normally, taxpayers must submit the tax declaration no later than 31st July 2024. The deadline is being extended by a month once again, presumably due to the aftermath of the Corona pandemic and possibly also due to a backlog of real estate tax declarations or objections to the corresponding notices.
A longer deadline applies if a tax advisor or a tax relief association is helping. In this case, the cut-off date is 31st May 2025. Since this is also a Saturday, the declaration must be in the box by 2nd June 2025.
Real estate tax increasesThe Federal government announces an increase in real estate tax for wealthy property owners starting from 1st January 2025. The change aims to generate additional funds for public services and social programs.
Guide for buying apartmentsA new guidebook for first-time apartment buyers is available from the Consumer Protection agency. The guide provides practical advice and legal information, helping consumers navigate the complex real estate market in Germany.
European Union gas storage requirementsIn response to the ongoing energy crisis, the European Union introduces stricter gas storage regulations for member states, including Germany. The goal is to ensure that countries have adequate reserves to meet demand during winter months.
Gas supplies and consumer protectionGerman Gas suppliers are required to adhere to stricter consumer protection laws, ensuring fair pricing and transparent contracts for residential and commercial customers. The new regulations come into effect from 1st January 2025.
KfW funding for employeesThe KfW banking group announces a new funding program for energy-efficient home improvements for employees. The program offers attractive interest rates and flexible repayment plans, helping employees save money on energy bills.
Vacation rental regulationsIn an effort to protect tenants, the German government introduces new regulations for vacation rental properties, ensuring that landlords provide clear information about rental periods and fees before booking.
Gas leak law enforcementThe German government strengthens its enforcement of gas leak laws, imposing steeper fines on gas companies that fail to address safety issues in a timely manner. The goal is to improve the safety of residential and commercial gas supply systems.
Tenant rights advocacyConsumer Protection advocates intensify their efforts to protect the rights of tenants, lobbying for fairer rents, stronger eviction protections, and more transparent rental agreements.
Tax office relocationThe tax office in Berlin announces its relocation to a new location starting from 1st January 2025. The move aims to improve service and convenience for taxpayers, with modern facilities and increased staff capacity.
Federal government funding for renovationThe German Federal government provides increased funding for renovation projects in multi-family housing buildings, encouraging property owners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades and modern amenities for their tenants.
European Union energy policyThe European Union announces a new energy policy, focusing on increasing renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and strengthening gas supply security. The policy takes effect on 1st January 2025.
German Railways expansionGerman Railways (Deutsche Bahn) announces plans for a significant expansion of their routes and services, including new high-speed trains, increased regional services, and improved connections to neighboring countries.
Gas prices and stabilityThe German government and gas suppliers work together to address concerns about rising gas prices and ensure a stable energy supply, implementing measures such as price caps, subsidies, and investments in alternative energy sources.
